 The clan soon came to be opposed by a number of other clans which vied for power and prestige at Court, and for influence over the Imperial succession.It is said however, that despite being overshadowed by others in terms of pure material wealth, the head of the Nakatomi clan was, in the mid-7th century, the most powerful man in Japan.Even into the 8th century, members of the Nakatomi clan maintained their important ritual position, becoming hereditary heads of the "Jingi-kan" (Department of Rites) established by the Code of Taihō in 701.